Marking 127th Philippine Independence Day, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the ceremonies at Quirino Grandstand, later emphasizing cultural pride through Filipino fashion showcased at the evening’s Vin d’Honneur.

He reaffirmed the Philippines’ independent foreign policy, the promotion of peace and cooperation, and extended condolences on the tragic plane crash in India.

Marcos also highlighted a projected six-percent GDP growth, declared a state of calamity in Eastern Visayas over the San Juanico Bridge repairs, and ensured power relief in Siquijor with the arrival of a generator set.

The week’s itinerary of the President was compiled through a joint report by the Daily Tribune and the Presidential Communications Office’s Bureau of Communications Services.

9 June

Schools’ water

problems answered

On the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., local water authorities are inspecting 532 water districts nationwide to ensure a reliable water supply in all schools as classes begin on 16 June.

In a Malacañang press briefing on Friday, Local Water Utilities Administration Administrator Jose Moises Salonga said a memorandum circular had been sent to 532 water districts, instructing them to address water supply problems in their respective areas, particularly schools.

The water districts must report all matters on water supply in their jurisdictions.

More liquid woes

On the orders of President Marcos, the issues with the water supply in two public elementary schools in Malolos, Bulacan, have been resolved.

Students of Barihan Elementary School now have access to clean running water and functioning toilets. The Santisima Trinidad Elementary School located three minutes away had its water supply problem also addressed.

10 June

Collaboration led

to P5.4-B seizures

As part of the campaign to eradicate illegal drugs, Malacañang encouraged the public to emulate the fishermen of Pangasinan and Bataan who worked with the government to safeguard their communities against drug syndicates.

In a press briefing in Malacañang, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro noted that the fishermen’s quick action and coordination with law enforcement led to one of the largest drug seizures in recent history, with an estimated P5.4-billion worth of shabu intercepted.

Last 5 June, 29 fishermen surrendered to authorities about P3.9-billion worth of suspected shabu vacuum-sealed in around 500 packs they had fished off the coasts of Agno and Bolinao in Pangasinan.

SEC, CHEd heads take oath

President Marcos administered the oath of office on Tuesday to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairperson Francisco Lim and Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis.

The two new officials took their oath at the President’s Hall in Malacañang. Lim succeeded Emilio Aquino whose seven-year term ended on 6 June.

Appointees under probation

Working on far-reaching changes in the government, President Marcos said the performance of all presidential appointees are being evaluated as they are “basically on probation.”

In an interview in Malacañang, Marcos said this was “not a Cabinet revamp.” He said he has “put everyone on notice” and everyone is “basically on probation.”

Four new envoys welcomed

The President received the credentials of the newly designated ambassadors of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Kuwait.

During a formal presentation ceremony at Malacañang, the President said the Philippines continues to deepen and strengthen its relations with these countries.

Raul Villanueva, PBBM’s

first SC appointee

President Marcos appointed Supreme Court (SC) Court Administrator Raul Villanueva as the new SC associate justice, his first appointee to the High Court.

Marcos administered the oath of office to Villanueva in a ceremony in Malacañang on Tuesday.

11 June

Prioritize perishable goods

on San Juanico

Taking into consideration the situation of farmers, fisherfolk, and small-time truckers, President Marcos ordered that perishable goods be given priority on San Juanico Bridge while access remains limited.

In an interview at the Amandayehan Port on Wednesday, the President expressed concern for the sentiment of a small-time trucker who said the vegetables he and other truckers were supposed to deliver had spoiled as they had to wait days for a roll-on/roll-off ferry.

Ruiz told: Carry on

President Marcos instructed Secretary Jay C. Ruiz to continue with his work as head of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

The Commission on Appointments (CA) was scheduled to deliberate on Ruiz’s appointment on 3 June but this was deferred due to lack of time.

PPO Castro said the development in the CA will not affect the PCO’s ongoing campaign against fake news and disinformation.

PBBM lets Año stay

President Marcos has allowed Secretary Eduardo M. Año to continue as head of the National Security Council (NSC) despite his health issues.

“Secretary Año has had to deal with health issues since the pandemic. However, he has kindly agreed to stay on in the NSC,” the President said in a statement.

Siquijor’s power, water dilemma

Following President Marcos’s directive to alleviate the people’s suffering in Siquijor, the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) has taken steps to address the water supply issues caused by the power crisis on the island.

While personally addressing the extended power blackouts in Siquijor, the President ordered the agencies concerned to fix the ensuing water shortage.

According to Salonga, Siquijor’s low power supply hinders the proper operation of water pumps, disrupting distribution across the province.

12 June

127th Independence Day marked

With the theme “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan” for this year’s commemoration, President Marcos on Thursday led the celebration of the 127th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Quirino Grandstand.

Before the main program, the President led the flag-raising ceremony and 21-gun salute at the Independence Flagpole at the Luneta accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their children — Senior Deputy Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, Joseph Simon and William Vincent.

The President also led the pledge to the flag, singing the Bagong Pilipinas hymn and the Panunumpa sa Bagong Pilipinas.

Filipino artistry,

cultural pride shine

Under the guidance of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Filipino artistry and cultural pride took center stage as the country’s esteemed fashion designers dressed members of the diplomatic corps who attended the Vin d’Honneur reception at Malacañang in celebration of the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence on Thursday.

President Marcos emphasized that Filipino culture is a source of national pride and a vital pillar of development, underscoring the connection between cultural preservation, economic growth, and social progress.

Designers Avel Bacudio, Dennis Lustico, Francis Libiran, Jun Escario, Lulu Tan-Gan, Michael Leyva and Philip Rodriguez created bespoke pieces for the ambassadors, which showcased the elegance and craftsmanship of Philippine fashion.

Trusted partner, peacemaker

Stressing that the country builds bridges instead of walls, President Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to international diplomacy and development partnerships, as the country marked its 127th Independence Day.

Addressing members of the diplomatic corps during the traditional Vin d’Honneur held at Malacañang, the President emphasized the administration’s proactive foreign policy anchored on peace, collaboration and shared prosperity.

Solidarity over deadly plane crash

President Marcos extended the nation’s heartfelt condolences to India, saying Filipinos were deeply saddened by the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad.

“On behalf of the Filipino people, I extend our most heartfelt condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India, and especially to the families and loved ones of all those who lost their lives,” Marcos said in a message posted on his social media accounts on Thursday night.

Sustained momentum,

improved investment climate

President Marcos said the economy is expected to grow by 6 percent in the following quarters, positioning it among the best-performing economies in the ASEAN region.

The Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025 despite rising global volatility.

Marcos said the expected GDP growth is a sign of the sustained economic momentum, with policy reforms and international partnerships serving as key drivers of the Philippines’ improving investment climate.

Gensets arrive in Siquijor

A day after President Marcos assured the people of Siquijor province of relief from rotational brownouts, a much-needed power generation set arrived on the island.

The Philippine Ports Authority reported that a trailer truck carrying a generator set from Sta. Rosa, Laguna arrived at 5:59 a.m. on Thursday on the MV Martin 7 of Maayo Shipping Lines.

PBBM congratulates SoKor’s Lee

President Marcos extended his warm congratulations to South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung on his victory in the elections held on 4 June.

In a statement, Marcos said he looked forward to further strengthening the bilateral relations between South Korea and the Philippines.

State of calamity in E. Visayas

President Marcos declared a state of calamity in Eastern Visayas to hasten the repair and rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge and mitigate the impact on the residents of Samar and Leyte.

Marcos said the state of calamity, initially declared for one year, would remain in effect until 5 June 2026, unless it is earlier lifted or extended as the circumstances may warrant.